ICE, so far, avoids blowups at the World Cup
Source: Politico
07/07/2026 04:11 PM EDT
Ahead of this year’s World Cup, Democrats had warned that ICE agents at matches were likely to cross the line with fans or players — creating international incidents. So far, those fears haven’t borne out.
As the tournament moves into its final stages, ICE has stayed away from crowd control, focusing on joint efforts with law enforcement partners to combat counterfeiting and human trafficking around the tournament, which has seen large numbers of foreign attendees flock the United States, Mexico and Canada to support their teams.
Even Democrats are noticing the restraint which ICE has exercised around the matches.
“I have not seen, or have not heard of, any significant, serious report, which is really very good. I am happy to hear that,” said Rep. Nellie Pou (D-N.J.), a member of the House Homeland Security Committee who represents the area around Metlife Stadium — the arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey slated to host the tournament’s final match.
Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/07/ice-avoids-blowups-world-cup-00988855